Commodus, AR Denarius, Rome Mint, 192 AD – RRR

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Description

Roman Imperial, Commodus, AR Denarius (silver, 2.05g, 16.5mm), Rome Mint, 192 AD
Obv:  L AEL AVREL COM-M AVG P FEL; head of Commodus right, wearing the lion skin headdress of bearded Hercules
Rev:  HERCVLI ROMANO AVG; bow, club, and quiver with arrows
Ref:  RCV 5645; RIC 253 Rarity/Choice: Rare Type, Good VF (beautiful rare light weight denarius, lightly toned)
Note: Commodus was a Roman emperor who ruled from AD 177 to 192. He was the son of Marcus Aurelius and is known for his association with the gladiatorial games and his portrayal of himself as the Roman god Hercules. His reign marked the end of the Pax Romana, a period of relative peace and stability throughout the Roman Empire. The denarius was a silver coin that served as a principal denomination in the Roman economy. During the reign of Commodus, the denarius was used widely for transactions and bore significant imperial iconography. Obverse Details: Inscription: “L AEL AVREL COMM AVG P FEL”;  This title emphasizes Commodus’ status as emperor and his adopted virtues of piety and happiness. The obverse features the head of Commodus, wearing a lion-skin, facing right. This imagery associates him with Hercules, signifying strength, heroism, and divine favor. Reverse Details: Inscription: “HERCVLI ROMANO AVG”;  This inscription dedicates the reverse to Hercules, directly linking Commodus to the heroic and divine qualities of the god. The reverse shows a bow, club, and quiver with arrows. These attributes are iconic symbols of Hercules, representing his martial prowess and legendary exploits. Commodus’ reign was marked by a departure from the more disciplined rule of his father, Marcus Aurelius. He indulged in luxury and styled himself as Hercules, often appearing in public dressed as the god and participating in gladiatorial combat. His identification with Hercules was part of his broader efforts to present himself as a living god and supreme hero. The denarius of Commodus is significant for its strong emphasis on his self-identification with Hercules. The iconography on the coin is a clear reflection of his attempts to project his power, strength, and divine favor. This period saw a shift in imperial propaganda, where Commodus’ coinage played a crucial role in reinforcing his desired image among the populace.

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